Jury citation
Baugruppen, from the German for “building group,”proposes a shift in accepted development logic – a housing model in which a group of people are assisted to become their own developer. The potential benefits of a participatory process, where the occupant group has greater control of economic decisions as they relate to design, use and amenity of individual and shared spaces, are highly compelling. This design proposal, for interchangeable dwelling modules set
within a cluster typology among shared lobbies and gardens, proposes a strong masterplan with inherent flexibility. It is interesting to imagine how negotiations and preferences for accommodation, solar gain, outlook and privacy might belie the apparent simplicity of the regulating pattern of modules. Stacked, compact, private, individual, customizable houses, openable on all sides and alongside a variety of social and communal spaces, provide a much-needed and well commu-nicated model for buyer-initiated medium-density housing.
Entrant’s description
The Baugruppen at White Gum Valley (WGV) project in Fremantle presents a vision for sustainable and community-oriented urban infill. Part of Development WA’s “Innovation through Demonstration” projects, this innovative housing initiative reimagines the way we
live, emphasizing collaboration, environmental consciousness and architectural distinction, and showcasing a pragmatic way to create less expensive housing in desirable areas.
Baugruppen dwellings are more affordable than speculative apartments because they are funded without external investors, removing any profits payable to developers. The future occupants of Baugruppen at WGV are a diverse group, including downsizers, young singles and couples, older couples and families with young children.
Central to the Baugruppen concept is the cultivation of social connections. At WGV, communal spaces include a shared kitchen, studio apartment for guests (also eliminating the need for spare bedrooms in individual apartments), rooftop terrace and gardens, laundry, and bicycle and electric car-share facilities.
Architecturally, the project harmonizes a modern aesthetic, firmly rooted in Fremantle, with functional innovation. The 16 apartments have been arranged as four pairs of “stacked” modules that can be adapted or reconfigured as the residents’ needs change. The arrangement allows every apartment to have three external walls and no shared walls between units, achieving great flexibility in the placement of windows, and excellent solar access, cross ventilation and acoustic performance.
Sustainability principles guide the design of the buildings, selection of materials, construction technique and procurement method. Baugruppen embodies eco-conscious living through climate-responsive design, use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies, and thoughtful integration of green spaces.
